Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 March 2023
576. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide details on the proposed trip to Ireland by the President of the United States of America, Joe Biden; if the President intends to visit County Louth as part of his itinerary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13966/23]
View answer580. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding preparations for President Biden's forthcoming visit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13988/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 576 and 580 together.
The Government strongly welcomed the announcement last week of President Biden’s intention to visit Ireland and Northern Ireland soon.
The visit of any US President, particularly one with such strong connections to Ireland, offers an opportunity to reinforce the strong historic, economic, cultural and family ties between our two nations, as well as an opportunity for discussions on current international issues.
It is particularly welcome that President Biden will come in the year we mark the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, a transformational moment in the history of this island, and that he will also travel to Northern Ireland. His visit is an opportunity for Ireland and the United States to reaffirm our joint commitment to protecting and building upon peace in Northern Ireland.
As you will appreciate, the details of the President’s visit are still in the planning stage, and I am not able to provide any further information at this time. I expect that details of the President's programme in Ireland will be finalised and announced by the White House shortly.
President Biden’s pride in his Irish heritage is well-known, and I know that this is a visit that the President has looked forward to for a long time. We greatly look forward to welcoming him back to Ireland next month.
